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Editorial: Juan de Fuca happenings

Not bad for the little fisherman from Port Renfrew

With the recent improvements to Highway 14, the road to Port Renfrew and the Cowichan Valley is now easier than ever. Over $20 million has been poured into work on the bridge at Sombrio, paving the road and making the whole area more accessible. The work is not complete but it will be soon. The Pacific Marine Circle Route can now honestly become another access route in and out of Sooke and the lands north. This could also lead to a lot of increased tourism for Sooke. We need to get on the ball and figure out what these travellers would want to see and do. Sooke is situated as a perfect stopping off point between the Cowichan Valley and Victoria. We need to get them to stop.

Port Renfrew itself is becoming a not so well kept secret. Tourism is and will continue to expand in the tiny hamlet for many reasons. The success developers found with the tiny vacation homes speaks volumes for the potential in the community. The gnarliest trees in Canada, the pristine wilderness and the great fishing all contribute. They may be a small community but they are tooting their assets and selling the natural resource aspect around them.

East Sooke will soon have a Canadian Auxiliary Coast Guard training centre at Glenairley. Rumours have been flying for the past six months and it is now closer to reality. This will mean that auxiliary members from across Canada will come to our area to train.

Mike Hicks, regional director for Juan de Fuca said he has been suportive ever since he was approached about the idea a couple of years ago.

Not bad for the little fisherman from Port Renfrew.